“There’s nothing more incomprehensible, shocking, frustrating, tear-jerking than to hear the stories of survivors.”
– Governor Greg Abbott
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott of Texas is urging Democrats in the House to support a package of bail reform amendments aimed at making bail more restrictive. However, Rep. John Smithee expressed concerns that insufficient Democratic support could hinder the measure's passage, requiring at least 12 Democrats to achieve the necessary supermajority.
The question remains whether Abbott would stomach any concessions to Democrats in an issue that he named as a priority during his State of the State address earlier this year.
A vote on the proposed restrictions may occur soon, but it remains uncertain if Abbott will make concessions to gain Democratic backing. Abbott criticized judges for releasing dangerous criminals, highlighting a case involving a victim who was attacked by an undocumented immigrant granted bail.
“There’s nothing more incomprehensible, shocking, frustrating, tear-jerking than to hear the stories of survivors,” Abbott said.
At the news conference Sophia Strother Lewis, who said she was attacked four years ago was among the victim survivors at the news conference . An undocumented immigrant sexually assaulted Strother Lewis in 2021 in Williamson County, she said. He was granted bail even after he was convicted in 2023. He did not show up for a sentencing hearing and remains at large, according to officials.
